Bottled Water

Bottled water is drinking water that is sold as distilled, spring, mineral, sparkling or flavored in either plastic or glass bottles. It has become a source of controversy because of the industry's heavy use of plastic in packaging and the consumer waste associated with a booming industry. There are also questions about the chemicals used in plastic water bottles and their effects on human health.

Bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but public water supplies are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some bottled waters contain fluoride, and others do not. Most bottled waters contain fluoride at levels that are less than optimal for good oral health, according to the CDC.

However, in some areas of the world, bottled water is a vital alternative to contaminated water, and is a critical part of an emergency response plan regardless of where you live. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Acknowledging that 'any place that people will receive emergency water, they will be in need of shelter too,' a student team unveils a prototype shelter constructed from one item that's in anything but short supply at disaster relief sites: empty plastic water bottles.